Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Information and Communication Technology Service (ICTS), Division of Administration, United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The incumbent reports to the Chief of Service.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Information Systems Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

？Leads the creation of a structured idea management process, including idea gathering and identification, idea stage management, idea review and assessment, and idea evaluation - as a first step of the innovation process, from improvement of existing products or services, to new disruptive business ideas.

？Ideates, incubates and advances ideas with the higher potential of growth and development. Coordinates and organizes the execution of proof of concept for new ideas.

？Manages projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation of new, moderately complex systems, and/or, participates as a member of a development team with responsibility for major components of the more complex systems.

？Provides specialized advice to clients, analyzing clients’ requirements and translating these into new solutions; determines solutions integration and linkage issues.

？Provides continuing client support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of assigned systems, etc.

？Develops and maintains computer programs that require integration of many interrelated systems and program elements; ensures appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area issues.

？Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.

？Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.

？Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for their deployment.

？Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, etc.

？Facilitates communications between ICTS and its clients for good client relations.

？Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc.

Competencies

？ PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design and programming. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, to include proficiency in the development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity. Knowledge of interactive systems; good knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

？ PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

？ CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

？ CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. ITIL Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner certificates are desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area. Demonstrated experience in implementing innovative solutions to technical challenges is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.